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HIVE INSPECTIONS HELP

By: Chari Elam

I can’t tell you how many seasoned beekeepers I’ve talked to who whisper quietly so no one else will hear:

“I get into my hives, and it never looks like it’s supposed to. As I look, I get confused about what I’m seeing—and what to do with it!”

Does that sound like you? C’mon… admit it! We’ve all been there.
But here’s the good news: You WILL get it!
It just takes a bit of practice.

Let me simplify the hive inspection process by first explaining what inspections are—and when to do them.


There Are Two Types of Hive Inspections:

1) Hive Check (Bi-weekly, except during winter—then monthly)
You only pull a few frames to verify that the queen is laying and that the hive has the necessary resources (honey/nectar/pollen) for that time of year.

Note: If you discover an issue during a hive check, it should become a full hive inspection so the problem can be addressed.

2) Hive Inspection (Seasonal: February – Spring buildup, May – before supering, August – during dearth stress, November – before overwintering)
This involves pulling most of the frames and inspecting each thoroughly. It may include:

  • Requeening and/or making splits

  • Performing a Varroa mite test (and treatment, if needed)

  • Making space adjustments

  • Manipulating frames (equalizing between boxes)

  • Correcting any issues found

Whether You're Doing a Quick Hive Check or a Full-On “Hive Dive,” Look for These:

  • Overall population

  • Number of frames with brood

  • Presence of eggs & larvae (indicates queen is present and laying)

  • Honey/stores (decide if feeding is necessary)

  • Pollen presence (decide if supplementation is needed)

  • Well-fed brood (wet, milky liquid around larvae)

  • Space – too little or too much?

  • Brood diseases or Varroa mite evidence


Helpful Tips:

  • Run 9 frames in a 10-frame box—it makes inspections easier.

  • Remove one outer (honey) frame before starting your inspection.

  • Only take out one frame at a time, beginning with the one closest to you.

  • Quickly scan for the queen. If she’s there, inspect the frame carefully to avoid damaging her.

  • As you work through the hive, look for brood, stores, pests, and diseases.

  • If you find any issues (e.g., poor brood pattern, suspicious spots), take a quick photo and note which frame it was on. This becomes your homework!

  • Work your most aggressive hive last.

Most Important Thing to Remember:

If you see something wrong, research the solution.
If you're unsure, contact us! Photos are a great help—after all, a picture is worth a thousand words. Same holds true in beekeeping!


Managing Space: The Most Overlooked Factor

When to Adjust Space:

Growth Season (Feb – July):
If 80% of the hive is full, add a box or split. Not doing so may lead to swarming.

Note: Avoid adding boxes after the nectar flow (post-July) unless you're feeding heavily.

Dormant Season (Aug – Jan):
Too much space can invite pests like small hive beetles or wax moths. Weak colonies may also become targets for robbing.

Condition Considerations:

  • A queenless hive may not have enough bees to defend the space.

  • Heavy Varroa infestations can reduce population.

  • Lack of nutrition = weakened or starving bees.


The Average Seasonal Hive:

Early Spring (Late Feb – April):

  • Low honey stores from overwintering

  • Some nectar/pollen (often supplemented)

  • Population increasing—should be football-sized

Late Spring to Early Summer (May – July):

  • Honey stores re-established

  • Plenty of nectar and pollen

  • Population near peak—basketball-sized

Late Summer to Early Fall (Aug – Sept):

  • Stores may be low due to dearth—supplements needed

  • Brood nest reduces—about cantaloupe-sized

Late Fall to Early Winter (Oct – Nov):

  • Stores rebuilt—30–40 lbs. (3–4 frames) in upper deep

  • Little pollen stored

  • Brood is scarce, population is stable

Winter (Nov – mid-Jan):

  • Bees cluster and live off stored honey

  • No brood (depending on location)

  • Population declines naturally as bees age out


I created a Hive Inspection Sheet years ago that many found helpful as they learned the ropes. Feel free to print and use as many copies as you’d like!


Final Note:

It’s so important to manage your bees with the seasons in mind—take action when the indicators say it’s time, and stay on top of inspections.

ALL good rules to follow!

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